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Very tiring uphill climb. Best views are between the hut and summit, so I personally wouldn't just hike to the hut and back. Start early if planning to go to the summit as a day trip. Would have stayed at the hut though if I had more time, to give my legs a rest, plus the opportunity for stargazing and sunrise. Recommend to go on a clear day to have the best views. Went in mid-May, temp 2-7 degC, minimal frost.
Great walk on a well maintained track , seriously got the heart going as it was just up hill non stop but worth it for the views very rewarding ????
There are 1003 named mountains in Kaikoura Ranges. New Zealand’s mountains and the Chilean Andes are the only significant barrier to the moisture-laden westerly winds that circle the Southern Ocean. The Kaikoura ranges only emerged within the last five million years, during the Pliocene Epoch, so they are relatively geologically young and very dynamic. For this reason, Mt Fyffe is right in the firing line for wild weather. The summit is at 1602 metres but Seaward Kaikoura's are exposed to wind and and heavy amounts of snow. Be prepared for adverse conditions at any time. The mountain was covered in mist / fog and proceeded to turn around and go down. The whole ideal, is to see spectacular views on a clear day. You are rewarded with superb views of the Kaikoura plains and peninsula, including views of Banks Peninsula and the North Island. The 8km steep climb from carpark to summit is a massive 1400 metres! A 4WD road goes right to the summit; a return journey of about 8 hours. Those wanting a shorter journey could go as far as Mt Fyffe Hut (5 hours return) or the lookout point near a firepond, which is just an hour above the carpark. The most common approach is from the Hinau picnic area at the end of Postmans Rd, over a locked gate and up the 4WD road.
